Breakfast
Dinner
At Miriam’s Kitchen, we believe that housing is more than just a roof overhead – it's a fundamental human right Our new strategic framework reflects this belief as we integrate innovative solutions to provide immediate relief, and address systemic barriers perpetuating homelessness Within this plan, we take a transformative shift in our vision toward housing justice by deepening our engagement with our guests and delivering high-quality services tailored to individual needs Our focus on mental health and community rounds out our approach as we remain steadfast in understanding that healing and growth happen through relationships
Sustaining this work means investing in our organizational ability and well-being Therefore, we are reinforcing our commitment to fostering an affirming environment for our staff that nurtures the creativity and resilience needed for this critical work As a compassionate community driven by justice, we will make chronic homelessness in DC rare, brief, and non-recurring Let's envision a future where every neighbor has a life filled with hope and possibility
Thank you for being a part of this journey Each day your support fuels our mission and brings us closer to our vision
With gratitude,
Miriam’s Kitchen
What would we do without our volunteers? Truly, we wouldn’t be able to open our doors without them! We are so grateful for all our amazing volunteers who share their time to support our guests who share in our mission to end chronic homelessness
During February, we were delighted to celebrate our outstanding volunteers at our Volunteer Appreciation Event. Everyone enjoyed delicious hors d’oeuvres and desserts made by our MK chefs as we honored the following volunteers:
Kitchen and Dining Room Volunteers of the Year:
Kitchen Sous Chefs - Jack Nelson & Leia Schantz
Dining Room Sous Chefs - Keith Burnham & Kimberly Martin
Donation Sorting - Mary Frase
Social Services Volunteers of the Year: Front Desk Volunteer - Ann Sayre Guest Services and Clothing Closet - Joan Timoney
Corporate Volunteers of the Year: Sidley Austin
We need YOU to volunteer!
We can always use more volunteers, especially as we anticipate the summer when many volunteers are on vacation, or home from school. If you’d like to become a regular volunteer, please email martha@miriamskitchen.org to get started.
Last year we told you about Walter Parker and the challenges of seniors experiencing homelessness MK has been working hard to meet these challenges and we wanted to update you about our progress
Read below as *MK Senior Director of Housing Kierstin Quinsland speaks about expanding our knowledge about the growing needs of seniors.
“Our staff has done training in dementia and cognitive decline, and we're always looking for more training on aging issues. Case managers also share their accumulated experience with the rest of the team. For example, we are making sure everyone knows how to pursue resources like Home Health Aides or to work with families on options when clients need a higher level of care "
An ongoing need with seniors is that many of them have a lack of medical care – even when they are housed. MK PSH case managers try to get additional services provided in a senior’s home, but sometimes, find they need to move seniors from PSH to nursing homes or other supportive programs
Like the PSH team, the MK Outreach team is growing in their expertise based on their experience with seniors To increase their knowledge, one of their goals for this year is to connect with the D C Office of Aging for more training MK collaborates with other senior agencies, like IONA Senior Services, to learn about best practices and available resources With the adoption of our new strategic plan, we are planning to build roles for members of our teams to have specialized expertise for issues like aging and housing.
The day-to-day struggles of supporting seniors are significant MK Director of Outreach Juanita Driver shares:
“Sometimes seniors experiencing homelessness get matched to a housing voucher and will agree to move into an apartment. But because they struggle with memory loss and dementia, the next time we see them, they don’t remember they have a voucher or that they made that decision It’s hard, but we don’t give up because we know that it’s only by building a strong relationship that seniors will be open to change Our case managers want what’s best for seniors in the same way they want what’s best for their own elderly family members. ”
*Our new Senior Director of Housing is Sara Taylor
For MK Senior Case Manager Jen Hightower (pictured below), the mission of Miriam’s Kitchen is personal. As a DC native, Jen has watched The District change over the years and felt called to support her neighbors in need.
“I watched my mother die from drug addiction and HIV/AIDS If she'd had a person like me, she would probably still be around. If I can save the next little boy or girl from going through what I went through as a child, I’m satisfied. ”
Jen learned about MK in 2017 when she befriended an unhoused man who hung out in front of her job. Because of Jen’s deep sense of care and compassion she wanted to do more to help get him care. Miriam’s Kitchen is where she found care and support for him and a future for herself. In 2018 Jen started on the MK outreach team, meeting with individuals all over DC to let them know about the services at Miriam’s Kitchen. She is now a senior case manager in our dining room.
“It’s more than just a paycheck for me. It’s not on me it’s in me. When guests come into the dining room, they're someone’s mother, father, brother, friend. These people mean something to someone. They’re human beings who deserve help and a second chance, and I’ll die fighting for the rights of vulnerable and underserved populations. "
The call to help her fellow Washingtonians and her time with Miriam’s Kitchen has influenced Jen so much that in 2023, Jen received her master's in social work from Walden University. We at MK are so proud of our staff and case managers like Jen who works every day to help as many guests as she can.
Q. Why is ending chronic homelessness important to you?
A. Dana: Homelessness is a racial justice issue and a human rights issue. I think it's one of the primary human rights battles of our time.
A. Andre: It’s important because I understand that everyone needs safety and what having a home brings, and I believe it's plausible to address those issues
Q. What excites you most about joining the team at MK?
A. Dana: It's an opportunity to fight homelessness locally since my previous focus has been national I appreciate the opportunity to tackle this crisis in D C specifically
A
. Andre: The people I'm inspired by our Guest Leaders who regularly discuss how MK has provided a place of safety and I'm honored to be a part of that
Q. If you were personally given $1 million to help solve homelessness, what would you do with it?
A. Dana: I'd pilot a program that pays rent for specified residents for a full year so that we could see what folks could accomplish economically without this burden
A. Andre: I'd collaborate with my team to find immediate needs so that we can support existing rapid assistance resources in our community.
What would you name as a current missing component in the fight to end nic homelessness?
ana: More intentional development of affordable housing and intensive rent rol policies.
A. Andre: Sufficient networking and collaboration between organizations that address the housing crisis.
It’s budget season and our advocacy team is already busy educating local leaders and lawmakers about what is needed to support our unhoused neighbors in this moment! Take a look at what we are asking Mayor Bowser to fund this year as part of our work leading The Way Home Campaign.
Expanded permanent supportive housing for singles and families
Full outreach funding for the Coordinated Street Outreach Network (CSON)
Investment in prevention and diversion programs
Funding for two non-congregate shelter sites
Continuing 24/7 shelter access
Funding for medical respite beds
Funding for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program
During February, MK staff members and supporters joined DC’s Annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, canvassing Foggy Bottom, the National Mall, and Adams Morgan to take an in-person census of those sleeping outside. This effort helps us to track how many people are experiencing homelessness and who they are. It is also one of several tools at our disposal that equips us with a solid understanding of the housing crisis. Because the census is conducted nationwide, we gain access to national trends and differences between jurisdictions.
However, the census shows us more than numbers – it gives us demographic data like age, gender, race, and sexual orientation while showing us how the crisis is changing over time. Data collected during this initiative also helps us to understand different experiences of homelessness by answering questions like:
How many members of our community have been experiencing homelessness for years?
How many are experiencing homelessness as a family?
How many have entered homelessness directly following release from jail or prison?
How many are naming domestic violence as a factor in their homelessness?
Expansion of affordable housing in D.C.
The PIT results will be released by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) and the national Annual Homelessness Assessment Report (AHAR) in the spring, so you can expect to hear more from us then as we analyze the results and how they affect our guests, and our work to support them.
On Thursday, May 23, 2024, at District Winery, we will celebrate the progress to end homelessness and share our vision for a future where everyone in DC has a safe place to call home
We will honor Andrew Anderson who serves on our Guest Advisory Board and Speaker’s Bureau He has been a force in raising his voice highlighting the inequities in our current system and helping to shape a brighter tomorrow. Andrew’s specific passion is supporting formerly incarcerated individuals to find the housing support they need to avoid the prison-tohomelessness pipeline.
We hope you’ll join us as we continue to support our neighbors from meals to housing no matter the season!
This year, at our 2024 MK Gala we are privileged to celebrate MK Guest Advisory Board member, and former Advocacy Fellow, Andrew Anderson as our Change Honoree! Andrew is an immensely dynamic housing advocate, who most recently partnered with MK leaders to develop new strategies to support unhoused citizens in DC through expanded programs at MK. We recently had the chance to sit down with Andrew to discuss his history with MK and get his thoughts on his upcoming award.
Read below to see our complete interview with Andrew!
Q. How would you describe your partnership with Miriam’s Kitchen?
A. My experience with Miriam’s Kitchen has always been a joyful one. Being able to work with them now is my version of a thank-you note.
Q. How does it feel to be the Change Honoree at the 2024 MK gala?
A. I was pretty shocked. I said to myself, "Wow, that's really cool!” I've put in a lot of work as an advocate, and at MK as a part of the Speakers' Bureau, so it means a lot to be recognized as part of a network that's dedicated to helping people and doing the work.
Q. What are you most excited about this year in your advocacy work?
A. I’m excited about advocacy centered around ex-offenders I’ve done a lot of work to spread the message about the things needed to support this population as far as housing
Q. What would you like to see moving forward from those working to end chronic homelessness?
A. As an advocate, what I'd like to see is for us to keep the messages out there as it relates to what is needed to end chronic homelessness Our city officials don't seem to be doing enough, so we need to fill the gaps as much as possible
Adapted for Miriam’s Kitchen by Chef Cheryl, produces approx. 8-10 slices per pan).
Need a delightful dessert for your next dinner party? Bring the flavor of Miriam’s Kitchen to your home by re-creating this show-stopping banana bread recipe!
INGREDIENTS
1–3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 Wheat Flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 pound butter or margarine
1–1/2 cups white sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
2 cups mashed overripe bananas
4 eggs, beaten
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
BANANA VARIATION FOR MORE EXTREME TASTE
(If you’d like a more intense flavor for your bread, use this mixture instead of 2 cups mashed overripe bananas)
1 cup mashed overripe bananas
1/2 cup dried dates, rehydrated
1/2 cup apple juice
1/2 cup coconut
COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
1
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C)
2
Grease and flour two 9x5 inch loaf pans
Sift the flour, salt, and baking soda into a large bowl 3
4
In a separate bowl, mix the butter or margarine and sugar until smooth. Add vanilla and stir in.
5.
Stir in the bananas, eggs, and walnuts until well blended.
6.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until blended
7
Divide the batter evenly between two loaf pans
1 Join our monthly giving community: The MK Club. The MK Club is essential to our work Monthly gifts fill in any funding gaps that may arise, help us pivot when the environment changes, and make longterm investments in our mission with confidence. Your $25 monthly contribution can provide gift cards for newly housed residents to purchase home essentials like pots, pans, and toiletries
2 Donate a gift of appreciated stock. This option allows you to avoid capital gains tax
3 If you are 70 1/2 or over, you can make a gift to Miriam's Kitchen directly from your IRA –satisfying part or all of your required minimum distribution (RMD) for the year – with no tax due on the distribution
4 Create your legacy.
If you want to leave your mark by creating a more equitable future where every person has a safe place to call home, please consider:
Naming Miriam's Kitchen as a beneficiary. We can be added to your retirement plan, donor-advised fund, life insurance policy, bank account, IRA, etc
Making a gift to Miriam's Kitchen in your will or trust.
Miriam's Kitchen 2401 Virginia Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20037
Tax ID Number: 52-1331552
9
Bake for 60 to 70 minutes in the preheated oven, until a knife inserted into the crown of the loaf comes out clean
Let the loaves cool in the pans for at least 5 minutes, then turn out onto a cooling rack, and cool completely
8 Wrap in aluminum foil to keep in the moisture Ideally, refrigerate the loaves for 2 hours or more before serving.
If you have already included Miriam’s Kitchen in your plans, it would be our honor to thank you personally.
For additional information, contact Catherine Francis at catherine.francis@miriamskitchen.org.
Cheryl Bell Executive Chef